'One of a kind' Koroibete energises Wallabies as spiritual leader returns to Test Rugby

Thu, Aug 15, 2024, 7:24 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Marika Koroibete makes his Wallabies return against South Africa. Photo: Getty Images
Marika Koroibete makes his Wallabies return against South Africa. Photo: Getty Images

The Wallabies are feeling the energy as one of their special leaders Marika Koroibete makes his return to the Test arena.

Koroibete was thought to be finished in the gold jersey after the World Cup as reports circled he was set to retire.

Tickets to the Wallabies home 2024 Test fixtures are available here.

This was squashed when coach Joe Schmidt named him in the opening Rugby Championship squad for the Springboks Tests, with Koroibete taking back the #11 jersey he has made his own.

Koroibete's impact is obvious to see on the field but when you hear players such as Nic White talk about him off it, you start to understand how important the winger is to the Wallabies' set-up off it.

"He's special mate. He's one of a kind Marika," White said and smiled.

"He is just made of granite, (he's) stop or go and when he steps across that white line it is everything go. That ability to empty the tank, I've played with some special blokes that have the ability to empty their tank into absolutely everything and every action and he's at the top of it whether it's kick chase, going into contact or the highlights you guys see, it's special that ability to back that up effort on effort.

"He's a man of few words, does all his speaking that way but when he does choose to speak you listen and he has that aura. You almost have to seek Marika's permission with things around the group off the field. He's certainly a leader."

Schmidt felt that presence when he selected Koroibete as his lone overseas player for the Tests.

“He's a character Marika around about the place in a really positive sense," the coach said last week

"He has a real sense of the game that allows him to get involved at the right moments. He works hard across the field. I've always thought, coaching against him, that he's an absolute handful.”

After a disappointing day in the aerial battle, Schmidt is hoping for a similar effect on the field from the two-time John Eales Medalist.

"I just felt we didn't get into the aerial contest last week," he added.

I think they kicked seven contestables and got four back. We didn't get any of ours back (and) I think it's one of the vital sources of possession, in that you can capture it in behind the defensive line to a degree."

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